Bacteria and Viruses

Front

Microorganisms or infectious agents that cause disease are called __________.

Back

pathogens

Front

Bacteria are prokaryotes, meaning they ________.

Back

lack a nucleus

Front

A retrovirus can be described as __________.

Back

a virus that has RNA as its genetic material and uses the host cell to reverse transcribe the RNA into DNA

Front

What would happen to a virus if it couldn't find a host cell to invade?

Back

It wouldn't be able to reproduce

Front

What is one way that a lysogenic infection differs from a lytic infection?

Back

A lysogenic virus can remain in the host DNA for a longer period without becoming active.

Front

What is the basic structure of a virus?

Back

A virus consists of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid.

Front

What is the function of the bacterial cell wall?

Back

The bacterial cell wall provides structure and protection to the cell.

Front

How do bacteria reproduce?

Back

Bacteria reproduce asexually through a process called binary fission.

Front

What is the role of plasmids in bacteria?

Back

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can carry genes, often providing antibiotic resistance.

Front

What is the difference between a virus and a bacterium?

Back

Viruses are not living organisms and require a host to reproduce, while bacteria are living cells that can reproduce independently.